DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a two-wheeled vehicle and particularly relates to a body frame structure for a two-wheeled vehicle.
Background
[0002] Typically, body frames of two-wheeled vehicles fall under two categories: 1. Tubular body frames 2. Monocoque body frames. Generally, tubular body frames are made using a plurality of metal tubes welded together to form a skeletal load bearing framework. Further, body panels are assembled over said plurality of metal tubes to complete the body and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the two-wheeled vehicle. Unlike tubular body frames, monocoque body frames do not include said plurality of metal tubes to form the skeletal load bearing framework. Typically, in monocoque body frames, the skeletal load bearing framework and the body panels are unified to form a single unit. Further, internal components of the two-wheeled vehicle such as the engine, the steering assembly, electrical and electronic components are supported by the monocoque body frame using various bracket arrangements.
[0003] Typically, in two-wheeled vehicles having a monocoque body frame, the battery is packaged below a seat and in the proximity of a utility box. However, due to the presence of the fuel tank in a rear portion of said vehicle and adjoining the utility box, packaging the battery, especially a large sized battery near the utility box becomes complicated due to the space constraints involved. Moreover, disposing the battery near the utility box, also effects reduction in utility space of the utility box. Further, due to the absence of plurality of metal tubes in the monocoque body frame, supporting the battery without the aid of plurality of metal brackets becomes difficult, thereby resulting in an increase in the number of parts being used.
[0004] In a known art involving a monocoque body frame, the battery is disposed beneath a floorboard of said two-wheeled vehicle. However, disposing the battery beneath the floorboard requires that a higher ground clearance be maintained for the floorboard, so as to prevent damage to the battery in bump conditions.
[0005] There is therefore a need to provide an alternative location for disposing a battery in a two-wheeled vehicle having a monocoque body frame.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a two-wheeled vehicle including a front wheel and a rear wheel, a monocoque body frame structure connecting said front wheel and said rear wheel, and a head pipe supported in a front portion of said monocoque body frame structure.
[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a two-wheeled vehicle including a monocoque body frame structure which integrally includes a pair of front frame members, said pair of front frame members adapted to encompass at least a portion of a head pipe therebetween.
[0009] It is one more object of the present invention to provide a two-wheeled vehicle including a monocoque body frame structure which defines a space in the proximity of the head pipe and between said pair offront frame members to enable accommodation of at least one internal component of said two-wheeled vehicle.
[0010] Accordingly, there is provided a two-wheeled vehicle including a monocoque body frame structure connecting a front wheel and a rear wheel of said two-wheeled vehicle and forming a skeletal framework of said two-wheeled vehicle. The monocoque body frame structure as per an embodiment of the present invention integrally includes a pair of front frame members in a front portion thereof and adapted to encompass at least a portion of a steering tube passing through a head pipe of said two-wheeled vehicle. Particularly, said pair of front frame members are provided in a manner such that a space is defined between said pair of front frame members and in proximity of the head pipe, so that at least one internal component of said two-wheeled vehicle is capable of being accommodated in said space.
[0011] As per an aspect of the present invention, at least one internal component of said vehicle including a battery unit is accommodated in the space formed between said pair of front frame members. Particularly, as per one embodiment the battery unit is accommodated in said space by being supported at least partially to a top bridge member connecting said pair of front frame members at its top portion. In another embodiment, said battery unit is accommodated in said space by being held off set to a centre plane passing through a front portion of said two-wheeled vehicle when viewed in vehicle top view. In the present embodiment, the top bridge member also serves to support the head pipe. Thus, as per an aspect of the present invention, the battery unit is disposed in a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0012] As per another aspect of the present invention, said battery unit is accommodated in said space by being at least partially supported against said head pipe. For example, in one embodiment said battery unit is accommodated in said space be being supported to at least one mounting member protruding from a portion of said head pipe. In another embodiment, said battery unit is accommodated in said space by being supported to at least a portion of a central stiffener member disposed in front of said head pipe, and connecting said pair of front frame members. Thus, said central stiffener member not only serves to improve stiffness of said pair of front frame members but also serves to receive at least a portion of said at least one internal component including said battery unit. Therefore, the need for a plurality of mounting brackets is eliminated.
[0013] Disposing the battery unit in the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle as per the present invention aids in balancing the front wheel and the rear wheel reactions. Moreover, disposition of the battery in the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle facilitates easy accessibility of the battery unit which merely involves removal of a front panel. Further, disposing the battery unit in the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle also aids in ensuring that enough space is available at a rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle to accommodate other internal components of said two-wheeled vehicle. Further, it is also ensured that utility space of the utility box is not reduced.
[0014] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0015] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
[0016] FIG.1 illustrates a two-wheeled including a monocoque body frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG.2 illustrates the monocoque body frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG.3 illustrates a perspective view of a front portion of the monocoque body frame structure.
[0019] FIG.4 illustrates an exploded view depicting mounting of at least one internal component of said two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG.5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle depicting an arrangement of a battery unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG.6 illustrates an exploded view depicting mounting of the battery unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG.7 illustrates a front perspective view of a front portion of the monocoque body frame structure depicting arrangement of internal components of the two-wheeled vehicle therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0023] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the monocoque body frame structure and its features, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the two-wheeled vehicle with a driver riding thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0024] Firstly a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a two-wheeled vehicle 100 such as a step through motorcycle with reference to FIG.1 in accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of said two-wheeled vehicle 100. As shown in FIG.1, said vehicle 100 includes a monocoque body frame structure 200 suspended between a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 125. Thus, the monocoque body frame structure 200 forms a skeletal load bearing framework of said two-wheeled vehicle 100 and is adapted to support a plurality of internal parts and external parts of said two-wheeled vehicle 100 by means of a plurality of bracket arrangements. For example, in the present embodiment, said monocoque body frame structure 200 supports a steering assembly including a head pipe 106 (shown in FIG.3), and a handlebar 105 in a front portion 200F (shown in FIG.3) thereof. A front fork assembly 115 is pivotally supported to a steering tube 107 (shown in FIG.3) passing through said head pipe 106. Particularly, the monocoque body frame structure 200 is coupled to the front wheel 110 which in turn is coupled with the front fork assembly 115 by inserting an axle of the front wheel 110 in the front fork assembly 115. The handlebar 105 provided above the front fork assembly 115 allows steering of the front wheel 110. As per one embodiment of the present invention, a headlamp unit 155 housed in a headlamp housing 155a is disposed in front of the handlebar 105.
[0026] Further, a front panel 165 is provided to cover at least a portion of a forward facing portion of the monocoque body frame structure 200, including the front portion 200F (shown in FIG.3) of the monocoque body frame structure 200. A front fender 145 is provided to cover an upper portion of the front wheel 110 to prevent dust and debris splashed by the rotating front wheel 110 from striking parts lying behind the front wheel 110. The monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a rear panel 170. The rear panel 170 acts as a leg shield and protects a rider’s legs from a running wind blowing in a direction opposite to that of vehicle running direction. Further, the monocoque body frame structure 200 includes a longitudinally extending intermediate portion to support a floor board 180 for a rider to place his legs.
[0027] A seat 135 is supported above a portion of the monocoque body frame structure 200 which is extending rearwardly and inclinedly upwardly. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat 135. A grab handle 140 is provided to facilitate a pillion rider to hold onto said vehicle 100 while riding.
[0028] A fuel tank (not shown) is arranged at a rear portion of the monocoque body frame structure 200. The fuel tank forms a part of a fuel supply system which also includes a fuel pump unit (not shown). While the fuel tank stores fuel, said fuel pump unit supplies fuel for powering an engine 122. The engine 122 is powered by an air fuel mixture sent in by an intake pipe to a combustion chamber of the engine 122.
[0029] Further, combustion gases generated by the engine 122 is let out as exhaust from a muffler extending along a right hand side of the two-wheeled vehicle 100.
[0030] Power from the engine 122 is transmitted to the rear wheel 125 for driving said vehicle 100 by means of a transmission assembly 120. Particularly, the rear wheel 125 is connected to the engine 122 and said engine 122 is connected to said monocoque body frame structure via a toggle link (not shown).The monocoque body frame structure 200 also supports a rear suspension system including a shock absorber 130 at its rear portion.
[0031] FIG.2 illustrates the monocoque body frame structure 200 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The monocoque body frame structure 200 is a light weight structure possessing sufficient rigidity for supporting the internal components and the external components as described above. In the present embodiment, said monocoque body frame structure 200 is constructed using a plurality of machined metal sheets which are shaped and connected together to form a monocoque structure. Particularly, the monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a pair of front frame members 201. Each front frame member of said pair of front frame members 201 in the present embodiment is an elongated member which extends substantially vertically up to the floorboard 180 of said two-wheeled vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, said pair of front frame members 201 is adapted to encompass the head pipe 106 (shown in FIG.3) at least partially from its sides. Further, said pair of front frame members 201 serves to function as a leg shield and protects the legs of the rider. In the present embodiment, said pair of front frame members 201 serve to provide support for the front panel 165 which in turn is provided to cover a front portion 200F (shown in FIG.3) of the monocoque body frame structure 200 at least partially.
[0032] Further, the monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a pair of rear frame members 203 extending from a bottom portion of said pair of front frame members 201 towards a rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle 100. At least a portion of said pair of rear frame members 203 serves to support the floorboard 180. Further, the monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a central cover frame member 204 which serves not only to support the seat 135 but also serves to support other internal parts of the two-wheeled vehicle such as the engine 122. The central cover frame member 204 may also serve to support a pair of side panels.
[0033] FIG.3 illustrates a front perspective view of the front portion 200F of the monocoque body frame structure 200, including said pair of front frame members 201. In the present embodiment, said pair of front frame members 201 is connected by a top bridge member 201t and a bottom bridge member 201b at its top portion and its bottom portion respectively, said top bridge member 201t and said bottom bridge member 201b extending laterally to connect said pair of front frame members 201. According to an aspect of the present invention, said top bridge member 201t and said bottom bridge member 201b also serve to support the head pipe 106.
[0034] Further, the front portion 200F of the monocoque body frame structure 200 includes a central stiffener member 202 held between said pair of front frame members 201 and over the top bridge member 201t and the bottom bridge member 201b. The central stiffener member 202 along with said top bridge member 201t and said bottom bridge member 201b serves to provide sufficient support to said pair of front frame members 201. The central stiffener member 202 also serves to cover the head pipe 106 from its front side. Thus, the head pipe 106 is encompassed by said pair of front frame members 201 and the central stiffener member 202 on its three sides. Whereas in one embodiment, said central stiffener member 202 may be used to provide additional stiffness to said pair of front frame members 201, in another embodiment, said central stiffener member may be eliminated, and said top bridge member 201t and said bottom bridge member 201b alone may be used to support said pair of front frame members 201.
[0035] As per a first embodiment of the present invention and as may be seen in FIG.4, the monocoque body frame structure 200 includes a space 205 defined in the proximity of the head pipe 106 and encompassed by said pair of front frame members 201. In the present embodiment, the space 205 allows passage of the head pipe 106. At least a portion of the steering tube 107 rotatably supported in a head pipe 106 passes through said space 205. Thus, at least a portion of a steering assembly is also accommodated in said space 205. Particularly, the space 205 is defined in a manner such that at least one internal component of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 besides the head pipe 106 is accommodated therein. In the present embodiment, at least one internal component including a battery unit 210 is at least partially accommodated in said space 205. As per an aspect of the present invention, the battery unit 210 at least partially accommodated in said space 205 is supported to the head pipe 106.
[0036] FIG.4 denotes an exploded view depicting mounting of the battery unit 210 as per a first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, said space 205 is defined by said pair of front frame members 201, the top bridge member 201t and the bottom bridge member 201b and in proximity of the head pipe 106. Particularly, in the present embodiment said battery unit 210 is accommodated in said space 205 by being supported at least partially to said head pipe 106. More particularly, in the present embodiment a battery case 211 of said battery unit 210 is supported on the head pipe 106 through at least one mounting member, example a side mounting member 106a extending from a portion thereof. Particularly, a side mounting lug 211b provided in the battery case 211 is fastened to said side mounting member 106a. Further, the battery case 211 is also supported on the top bridge member 201t through the top mounting lug 211a extending from a top portion of the battery case 211. Particularly, said top mounting lug 211a is fastened to a mounting hole 201ta provided in said top bridge member 201t. Battery present in said battery case 211 may include lead acid battery, MF battery, lithium ion battery and the like.
[0037] As per another aspect of the present invention and as may be seen in FIG.5 and FIG.6, said space 205 is formed by providing a cut out in the central stiffener member 202. Particularly, said cut out is wide enough to accommodate the battery unit 210 and also allows easy access to the terminals 215 (shown in FIG.3) of the battery unit 210. Further, as per another aspect of the present invention, said space 205 is at least partially covered from the front by the front panel 165. As may be seen in FIG.4, FIG.5 and FIG.6, the battery unit 210 accommodated in said space 205 and supported at least partially on the head pipe 106 is covered from the front by the front panel 165. Thus, the battery unit 210 is reliably secured between the head pipe 106 and the front panel 165 and is protected from damage. Additional support in the form of support cables may be provided to secure the battery unit 210 to the head pipe 106 to prevent rattling of the battery unit 210. Resilient mountings may also be used which aid in damping vibrations and thereby aid in preventing damage to said battery unit.
[0038] The space 205 defined in the monocoque body frame structure 200 as per an embodiment of the present invention, aids in ensuring that a battery unit of a large size may also be comfortably accommodated therein. Further, the front panel 165 is also provided in a manner such that there is no interference between the front panel 165 and the at least one internal component such as the battery unit 210.
[0039] FIG.6 is an exploded view depicting the mounting of the battery unit 210 as per an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen, the battery unit 210 to be accommodated in the space 205 and held in a battery case 211 is supported at least partially against the head pipe 106 and at least partially on the central stiffener member 202. For example, in the present embodiment, the head pipe 106 is supported on one mounting member of at least one mounting member protruding from said head pipe 106. For example, the head pipe 106 is provided with a battery mounting member 106b to receive a rear portion of the battery case 211 in which the battery unit 210 is disposed. Further, a top mounting bracket 202a is provided in the central stiffener member 202 to receive a top mounting lug 211a extending from a top portion of the battery case 211. Particularly, the battery case 211 is sandwich mounted along with the central stiffener member 202 to the top bridge member 201t at its top portion. A side mounting lug 211b is also provided in the battery case 211 to be fastened to a pair of side mounting brackets 202b extending from the central stiffener member 202. Thus, at least a portion of the battery unit 210 and the battery case 211 may be either normally or inclinedly supported on the head pipe 106. Further, a front portion of the battery case 211 is provided with a panel mounting provision 211c to receive the front panel 165.
[0040] FIG.7 illustrates an arrangement of the battery unit 210 along with other internal components of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen, the space 205 is adapted to receive besides the battery unit 210, other internal components of said vehicle such as a horn 185, an electronic device 186 etc. For example, the horn 185 is also supported on the battery mounting bracket 106a provided on the head pipe 106. However, in another embodiment, the horn 185 may be supported on the top bridge member 201t. Further, as per an aspect of the present invention and as per the second embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the headlamp unit 155 mounted to a portion of the front panel 165 is also capable of being accommodated in said space 205. Presence of said space 205 aids in ensuring that a substantial portion of a rear section of the headlamp unit 155 is accommodated in the space 205, below the battery unit 210. Further, since the space 205 defined in the monocoque body frame structure 200 allows the horn 185 to be located next to the battery unit, the headlamp unit 155 can be comfortably mounted to the front panel 165 without the headlamp unit 155 interfering with other internal components such as the horn 185. Thus, the present invention allows a large sized headlamp unit to be mounted in the front panel 165.
[0041] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. A two wheeled vehicle (100), said two wheeled vehicle (100) comprising a front wheel (110) and a rear wheel (125) spaced apart longitudinally and connected by a monocoque body frame structure (200);
wherein, the monocoque body frame structure (200) includes a head pipe (106) in a front portion (200F) thereof, and a pair of front frame members (201), said pair of front frame members (201) encompassing said head pipe (106) from its sides;
characterized in that, said body frame structure (200) includes a space (205) defined in proximity of the head pipe (106) and between said pair of front frame members (201), to enable at least partial accommodation of at least one internal component (210,185,186) of said two wheeled vehicle (100).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one internal component (210,185,186) is accommodated in said space (205) by being at least partially supported against said head pipe (106).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said head pipe (106) includes at least one mounting member (106a, 106b) for supporting said at least one internal component (210,185,186).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one internal component (210,185,186) includes a battery unit (210), a horn (185), and an electronic device (186).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body frame structure (200) includes a top bridge member (201t) connecting said pair of front frame members (201) at top portion of said pair of front frame members (201).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said battery unit (210) is accommodated in said space (205) by being supported to at least a portion of said top bridge member (201t).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said space (205) is at least partially covered by a central stiffener member (202) supported between said pair of front frame members (201) and disposed in front of said head pipe (106).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 7, wherein said central stiffener member (202) includes a top mounting bracket (202a) for receiving a top mounting lug (211a) of said at least one internal component (210,185,186).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said central stiffener member (202) includes a pair of side mounting brackets (202b) for receiving a corresponding side mounting lug (211b) of said at least one internal component (210,185,186), each side mounting bracket of said pair of side mounting brackets (202b) extending from a side portion of said central stiffener member (202).
10. A monocoque body frame structure (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said two wheeled vehicle (100) comprising a front wheel (110) and a rear wheel (125) spaced apart longitudinally and connected by said monocoque body frame structure (200);
wherein, the monocoque body frame structure (200) includes a head pipe (106) in a front portion (200F) thereof, and a pair of front frame members (201), said pair of front frame members (201) encompassing said head pipe (106) from its sides;
characterized in that, said body frame structure (200) includes a space (205) defined in proximity of the head pipe (106) and between said pair of front frame members (201), to enable at least partial accommodation of at least one internal component (210,185,186) of said two wheeled vehicle (100).